open 1 of 3

1
as in to unlock
to change from a closed to an open position please open the door to let the cat out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to clear
to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions we need to open this drain that's clogged with hair

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to expand
to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area when we got too close, the cardinal opened its wings and flew to a higher branch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in to free
to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way snowplows opened the runway without much trouble

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5

open

2 of 3

adjective

1
2
as in public
freely available for use or participation by all the lanes at the bowling alley will be open during the afternoon, but will be available only for league play in the evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
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9

open

3 of 3

noun

as in wilderness
that part of the physical world that is removed from human habitation a daguerreotype of a cowboy whose face is roughened from a hard life in the open

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective open contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of open are exposed, liable, prone, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When could exposed be used to replace open?

The words exposed and open can be used in similar contexts, but exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

When can liable be used instead of open?

While in some cases nearly identical to open, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When would prone be a good substitute for open?

While the synonyms prone and open are close in meaning, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When might sensitive be a better fit than open?

The words sensitive and open are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is subject a more appropriate choice than open?

In some situations, the words subject and open are roughly equivalent. However, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

When is it sensible to use susceptible instead of open?

The meanings of susceptible and open largely overlap; however, susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of open
Verb
Among the other nominees was DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot, which had a successful premiere at TIFF and opened to critical acclaim. Ryan Fleming, Deadline, 21 May 2025 Inquiring minds want to know whether this move to open the primaries is pure opportunism or a genuine desire to fight for the inclusion of Florida’s four million independents. John Opdycke, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 May 2025
Adjective
The chatbot-style addition to the company’s search engine results page is designed to answer longer queries and uses Google’s AI model to generate full responses based on—and linking back to—indexed websites on the open web. Reece Rogers, Wired News, 20 May 2025 The Walker Park Splash Pad and Gulley Park Interactive Fountain open for the 2025 summer season this weekend, according to a news release from the city. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 8 May 2025
Noun
The next morning, their secrets fully out in the open, Dina opens up to Ellie about how difficult coming to terms with her bisexuality was for her. Abby Monteil, Them., 5 May 2025 The monthly jobs report is due Friday before the open. Medora Lee, USA Today, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for open
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open
Verb
  • The launch of a new radio station and the continued growth of STV Player enable us to unlock exciting new opportunities for our customers.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 May 2025
  • Brands investing in these types of in-person events are working to unlock the deep emotional resonance that digital campaigns sometimes struggle to achieve.
    Kaleigh Moore, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Issa's bill has cleared the House, while Grassley's has yet to advance.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Minutes later, after Barcelona failed to clear a corner, Mead released Blackstenius with a clever reverse pass and the Swede steered the ball into the bottom corner of the goal.
    Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Although based in Davie, NSU has expanded its reach across Florida — an achievement that strengthens its ability to address healthcare needs statewide.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025
  • Blockchain, once synonymous with cryptocurrency, is expanding into areas like secure transactions and transparent supply chains.
    Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Then, in March, an appeals court acquitted Lee, freeing him to campaign in the snap election.
    Jong Eun Lee, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
  • He was freed on parole from the Terre Haute, Indiana, federal penitentiary on Nov. 30, 1948, after serving 32 months of his five-year prison sentence.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • As the family begins bickering, Alice/Nicola excuses herself from the table.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 26 May 2025
  • Keeping him healthy remains a priority, but as multiple players begin to show the benefits of consistent playing time, Herrera stands out as a prime example.
    Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Topics include earning passive income online, mastering communication and public speaking skills, acing your job interview, and practical strategies to grow your wealth.
    Megan Sauer, CNBC, 31 May 2025
  • Two months after Thicke and Patton's divorce was finalized in March 2015, Thicke and Geary made their public debut as a couple at the Cannes Film Festival.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Without strong glutes to stabilize your pelvis and support your spine, other areas of your body are stressed and become more vulnerable to injury.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
  • The Trump administration has been accused of disregarding due process protections, especially for vulnerable groups, such as the U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Players appreciated such an honest approach during the Euro 2022 campaign, which garnered mutual respect and trust.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • So much of it feels like a fever dream, to be honest, being in Singapore.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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